Aim:To determine the effect of PVCR in patients with paraplegia by using the American Spinal Injury Association Score and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire.
Material and Methods:Twelve patients with posttraumatic paraplegia and severe angular kyphosis (>60⁰) had undergone PVCR between 6-24 months after the trauma for severe pain, persistent vertebral instability and difficulty in adherence to rehabilitation. ASIA scores and SRS-22 questionnaire results obtained in the preoperative and postoperative periods and the last control were statistically compared to assess the presence of any change.
Results:The average age of twelve patients included in this study was 35,6±10,2 (21-51) years. Female/male ratio was 2/10 (20,0%). The mean follow-up duration was 50,3±17,6 (24-86) months. None of the patients had additional changes in neuromonitoring records during surgery. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle of the patients was 66,58°±7,1⁰ (60⁰-82⁰) which decreased to 7,0⁰±5,4⁰ in the postoperative period (p<0,05). The mean ASIA score, which was 43,3±5,1 preoperatively, increased to 44,4±4,4 in the postoperative period. The SRS-22 score, which was 2,4±0,3 in the preoperative period, increased to 4,2±0,4 in the early postoperative period. This increase was found to be statistically significant (p<0,05). The SRS-22 score was 4,1±0,4 at last follow-up and was not statistically different from the early postoperative value (p>0,05).
Conclusion: In the light of these data, it can be stated that PVCR is a safe and reliable procedure in paraplegic patients with rigid posttraumatic kyphosis and increases patient satisfaction.